Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has called on his players to shake the world one more time.

Dalic, the coach who took over his national team just eight months ago when they were in crisis, stands on the brink of one of the greatest achievements in modern football.

Croatia – population four million – can become the smallest country since Uruguay 68 years ago to lift the World Cup after a tournament which has seen them come through two penalty shoot-outs and a semi-final against England that went to extra-time.

Ahead of Sunday's clash with France in Moscow, Dalic has to revive a squad that has been rocked by injuries and sheer fatigue.

But he said: “We have only been able to see a small proportion of the celebrations that have been going on back home.

Dalic is on the brink of history (Image: Getty Images Europe)

“And it makes us proud to see the joy we have brought the whole country, despite the problems and the hardship the people are facing.

“They have been proud and joyous for the last month.

“And I am sure that if we win the World Cup there will be a seismic event in Croatia.

“This thought brings us all strength and motivation.

“What we hope to see is four million people out in the streets celebrating.”

Dalic took over from Ante Cacic last October with Croatia's chances of qualification hanging by a thread.

Two days later he masterminded a 2-0 victory in Ukraine that took the team into a play-off against Greece that was won by a 4-1 aggregate.

That earned him a two-year contract worth less than £1million – making him one of the lowest paid coaches at the World Cup.

But Croatia topped a group that included Argentina, Nigeria and Iceland.

Then they demonstrated their resolve by knocking out both Denmark and hosts Russia on penalties before breaking English hearts to meet France, a nation they have never beaten in five previous meetings.

Dalic said: “I don't set much store in statistics, traditions or head-to-head results.

“History is there to be made and then to be demolished – and this is the World Cup final.